Vomiting is the forceful expulsion of gastric contents through the mouth and nose.
What is an emetic?
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An emetic is a drug that induces vomiting. Emetics are not commonly prescribed.
What is an antiemetic?
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An antiemetic is a medication used to treat nausea or vomiting.
When would an antiemetic be prescribed?
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An antiemetic can be prescribed prophyllactically when nausea or vomiting is expected. This may include
Before surgery to prevent post op nausea / vomiting
Immediately after surgery to prevent post op nausea / vomiting
Before beginning a dose of chemotherapy (antineoplastic medications)
During radiation therapy when the GI tract is being irradiated
Or an antiemetic can be prescribed to relieve actual nausea / vomiting
What are the side effects of an antiemetic?
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Antiemetics are closely related to antihistamines, so the side effects of antihistamines are also relevant for antiemetics. These include drowsiness, dry mouth, blurred vision and other anticholinergic-like effects.
What routes are used for antiemetics?
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Most antiemetics can be given PO, rectally, IM, or IV. Check each medication for approved routes before administering. Like antihistamines, antiemetics given IM tend to be painful. Administer deeply into a large muscle.
What factors determine the appropriate route?
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Patients who are actively vomiting need a route other than po. Patients with both vomiting and diarrhea will need a route other than po or rectal. As the nurse, you must make a full assessment of the patient before administering the medication. Remember that the physician must order the route of administration, so a new order may be necessary.
What else would a nurse do besides administering an antiemetic?
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Nausea and vomiting are symptoms. Identify the cause of the nausea / vomiting and remove the precipitating agent if possible.
What are some other nursing considerations for persons receiving an antiemetic?
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Aside from the basic safety considerations due to drowsiness, the nurse should make a full GI assessment. This would include bowel sounds, presence of vomitus and / or diarrhea, and a full description of any vomitus or stool. Guiacing the stomach contents and stools would provide helpful information as well.
The GI System - Emetics and Antiemetics
Roach, Chapter 47 (pages 522 - 529)
What is vomiting?
What is an emetic?
What is an antiemetic?
When would an antiemetic be prescribed?
Before surgery to prevent post op nausea / vomiting
Immediately after surgery to prevent post op nausea / vomiting
Before beginning a dose of chemotherapy (antineoplastic medications)
During radiation therapy when the GI tract is being irradiated
Or an antiemetic can be prescribed to relieve actual nausea / vomiting
What are the side effects of an antiemetic?
What routes are used for antiemetics?
What factors determine the appropriate route?
What else would a nurse do besides administering an antiemetic?
What are some other nursing considerations for persons receiving an antiemetic?
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